Why is it that some people don't think of cheerleading as a sport? My daughter is going on her fifth year as a cheerleader and worked very hard to get where she is at. They work hard and win championships.
They have to work out, stay fit, do gymnastics...all the same things other atheletes do, so why don't people consider cheerleaders atheletes?
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09-03-02, 11:58 AM
MrSensitive
There are two different types of cheerleaders- the rah-rahs with the pom-poms, and the cheerleaders who put on one hell of a show, with flips, spotters and intense, choreographed routines.

The ones that are seen in competitions ARE definitely athletes. But it is hard to break away from the traditional stigma associated with the flimsy pom-pommers who give cheerleading a bad name. wink

Mr(shake shake shake)Sensitive

09-05-02, 10:50 AM
Yankees15
I think Cheerleaders are athletes, but I don't consider cheerleading a sport.

To me, and mind you, this is only my opinion, a sport is played head to head by two people or teams.

I know there are cheerleading competitions, and that these young ladies and men work their tails off, but it just doesn't fit my criteria for being considered a sport.

But ya know what?? Often times in high school, I was glad I didn't have to go through some of the practice sessions that the cheerleaders had to go through!!

Are cheerleaders athletes??? Hell yes!!

Is cheerleading a sport?? not in my book, but as I stated, it is only an opinion. big grin

09-05-02, 11:23 AM
Kendor
According to Dictionary.com, cheerleading is definetly a sport.

"Sport - An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively. "

09-09-02, 11:35 PM
Thaddeus831
I was a cheerleader in high school (don't laugh) and all I can say is that I have never worked as hard as I did then. The 2 hr. workouts before school (90 min weight lifting, 30 running) and the hour long practices everyday after. All that coupled with Friday nights at the football games, then Saturday spent doing routines at competitions. Not to mention never having enough funding... And if your lucky and your team does well you get a nice shiny trophy and the end of the year...which your school doesn't even display because cheerleading isn't what they would consider as "important" as other sports. So, dispite my bitterness, I do think that cheerleading is a sport.

--Thaddeus

11-10-02, 02:25 PM
megan_09
Umm..You better believe that cheerleading is hard work. Our practices consist of 2 miles of running at the beginning practice for 2 hours and then 2 miles of running again. And that is every practice. Then you have football games, pep assemblies, compeitions, and then you have the seminars with the grade school and middle school teams. It is hard work. We are the kind of squad that puts on one good show. And i am really proud of that because i have worked for 5 years to get where i am. Thank you very much for listening!

11-14-02, 06:27 PM
Yelena
Some people dont consider cheerleading a sport because they watch too many movies where cheeleaders fit in the typical stereotype; blondhaired bigboobed brain-span-of-an-avacado slutty talk behind everyones back girls. SO completly not true. But I guess some people will believe whatever trash they see on TV because they are close-minded. eek

11-15-02, 01:43 PM
bluezebra
As a football player (many years ago), as an official, and as a spectator, I have found that most cheerleaders have no idea of what is happening on the field. They cheer, "GO, GO", when the other team has the ball. I've heard them cheer, "Hold that line", when their team is on the opponents 2-yard line.

I was at a high school game last Friday, and the home school cheerleaders were giving "cheers" that had no relation to the action on the field.

Sure, they work hard. Sometimes, probably more than some of the players. But, unfortunately, most of the ones I've seen are more interested in putting on a show, than relating to the game.

Bob

11-17-02, 02:18 PM
Chicabird
Competitive cheerleading is a sport.

whereas

cheerleading chants with poms and walking to form poor patterns and maybe a few jumps or "putups" is NOT a sport.

just as

Marching Band and concert band takes talent and practice.

whereas

Pep Band is just whoever feels like showing up (including people who have never practiced in their lives) grr at those people. mad

But I'm in both types of bands and I could see how people would be enraged if someone said being in Marching Band didn't take talent or effort. It does. Many hours and hours and hours of practice, and even more for competitions. Plus all the music practice time, marching skills, and combinations including evil circle drills... hehe

But this was about cheerleading. So I conclude with this:

Competition cheerleading = sport
Pom-poms and poor jumping = not a sport.

*personal note* In my school the marching band both knows whats happening in the football game, cheers louder than the cheerleaders, performs on the field, plays all the time, and knows all the players numbers, plays, and names. So there!

11-21-02, 10:12 AM
Elizabeth Holt
the reason we don't put up stunts, tumble, or jump is because we consider it a waste of time thanks to people like you. why should we show you how hard we work when you dont give a ****** anyways?

[This message was edited by Lydia on 11-21-02 at 11:26 AM.]

11-23-02, 01:13 AM
bluezebra
Elizabeth:

I'm probably "The Dude" you refer to. What has tumbling, jumping around, forming pyramids, and other exhibitions have to do with the game on the field? There are competitions for these types of activities, but a "cheerleader" means someone who leads cheers. Leading cheers means keeping the fans involved in the action on the field.

You want to put on a show? Fine. Get a hall, or use the athletic field. But, if you're going to be a cheerleader at a game, lead cheers.

Bob

11-23-02, 08:59 AM
Yankees15

quote:Originally posted by Elizabeth Holt:
the reason we don't put up stunts, tumble, or jump is because we consider it a waste of time thanks to people like you. why should we show you how hard we work when you dont give a ****** anyways?

[This message was edited by Lydia on 11-21-02 at 11:26 AM.]


You might get your point across better if you were less hasty to be rude to people.

My guess is bluezebra has spent more time waiting in line at the concession stand than you have been alive. He probably has a pretty good idea of what he is talking about. Lighten up a bit!! eek

11-23-02, 06:31 PM
bluezebra
Thank you, Yankee15:

Not only in the concession stand line. I've played in more games, officiated in more games, and attended more games, than Elizabeth has months on earth.

An acrobat show is not cheerleading. PERIOD!

Bob

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,